From: Tom Buck
Well, well, well! Look at all the people who showed up for the second leg of the Farewell tour. I am so jacked that Houston got a second show and am proud to say we were the only city in the great state of Texas that got visited on both legs of the tour.

So, back by popular demand, Houston wanted the best, and boy did we get it! I was once again close enough to feel the heat from the pillars of fire, my personal favorate part of any KISS concert. Standing 11th row on Ace's side. How sweet it is! But as you all know, all three front men are making tracks all the time so my wife and I got to see Paul, Gene and Ace up close and personal once again. This was our fourth time to see KISS since they reunited in 96 and my sixth time total. But my prayers of seeing them in makeup were of course answered in 96. Nothing and no one could ever top the four of them together. I don't care who replaced them and how talented they were, Ace, Gene, Peter and Paul will allways be KISS. Everyone else was just along for the ride. God bless Eric C., Bruce, Mark, Eric S. and even Vinnie, but they can never fill such fantastic shoes.

Everyone should know and appreciate what a wonderful opportunity we have had in seeing these guys one more time. And I hope against hope that in a few years, the demand is still so high that they decide to do it again. It really is great to see so many fans coming out of the woodwork to see the Hottest Band In The World. New fans, old fans one and all have been changed. I know several people that went to this particular show and it was their first time to see KISS. I told them all the same thing. "Hold on tight, because you are never going to be the same. And you can compaire every band you ever see to what you are about to see, and none of them can measure up." It was quite rewarding to see my brother-in-laws face when it was over and hear him say "Oh my God! That was so awsome!" - First timer. All I could say was "I told you they would change your life. We just celebrated his 27th birthday and he got his first 2 KISS CD's. Double Platinum & Smashes, Thrashes & Hits. Not a bad start. Better late then never. My wife Kristin said to me "I have seen KISS four times now. I don't think I've seen anyone four times." The worm has certainly turned for her. She is now completely converted. To quote a phrase "I remember the day that we met" she knew little to nothing about KISS. Now, they are her favorite band. Mission accomplished.

As for me, twice in 85, Animalize & Asylum. Seventh row in 96 (I could never top that show, but hope to have a chance some day). Ninteenth row in San Antonio 3/31/00 (check out my review of that one!) and lawn in Houston the following night. And now Eleventh row in Houston again, another one of my dreams was finally answered. After the show, while searching with a multitude of other fans. There it was. ACE FREHLEY signature on one side, Farewell tour 8/22/00 on the other. So although I wasn't close enough to catch an Ace Frehley guitar pick, I finally have one to add to my collection. Thank God. Again, better late then never. And once again, thanks to Ace, Gene, Peter And Paul for all the stellar memories. I couldn't possibly forget you crazy guys. You are all burned into my mind forever. And I'm proud as hell to say I'm a die hard fan for life. KISS RULES. Everyone else is just trying to keep up. God Bless KISS and it's Army. Keep rockin'& long live the KINGS!

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